Hi! I’m Kristen.

My best work is often based on a mission-driven approach, I love being surrounded by opportunities to create conditions for people to experience who they are, where they come from, and who they are becoming. I love to tell the stories around people’s experiences that reflect the journey of resilience, integrity, and the self.

Over 15 years ago, I set out to travel the world and learn as much as I could. I’ve since written about the 50-some countries and 30-some states I’ve experienced and look forward to publishing a memoir one day. In the meantime, I continue to give myself space to learn and become. I’m proud and grateful for the time I spent on the road and in the air, for the 150 yoga teachers I graduated, authentic to their styles, out into the world, and the money I raised through events to support animal welfare. My work feels meaningful, and that feels right.

With my most recent work at Forsyth Humane Society I led the fundraising, logistics and marketing for seven major events each year and 15+ community events each month throughout the year.

Through K10Yoga I successfully built and led Yoga Teacher Training programs in NC, VA and TN. Built an online yoga studio. Developed a business model for a CoOp Studio space that supports yoga teachers and discounted community pricing for yoga classes. Outreach programs that give back to organizations in India, South Africa, and Cambodia among many local projects across varying states. Each of the four pillars required it’s own approach to marketing while maintaining the K10Yoga brand through differing demographics and locations.

I’ve always been more than a yoga teacher, though; my heart is in bringing communities of people together. I’ve been an event coordinator and catalyst of connection for over 20 years and love creative elements that come together to bring people together.

work.

  • Event & Outreach Manager; 2021-2025

    • Led strategy and execution for seven major annual fundraising and awareness events, overseeing every detail from planning and logistics to sponsorship sales, marketing, and post-event reporting — resulting in a 53% revenue increase from 2021 to 2024.

    • Managed over 15 community-led, revenue-generating events per month, empowering local supporters to create and host successful fundraising initiatives under the Forsyth Humane Society banner.

    • Drove a 60% increase in development program revenue by managing targeted marketing campaigns, refining donor outreach, and creating compelling digital and print collateral.

    • Conceptualized and executed multi-channel appeals including direct mail, social media, and digital storytelling — boosting donor engagement through compelling campaigns aligned with organizational priorities.

    • Expanded business partnerships fivefold, growing from under 100 to over 500 local collaborators who acted as year-round ambassadors and sponsors for fundraising and awareness campaigns.

    • Oversaw all marketing and communications efforts for the organization, including content calendars, newsletters, social media, and website updates — ensuring brand alignment and timely storytelling.

    • Maintained accurate donor records and campaign data in DonorPerfect, ensuring clean reporting and actionable insights to support ongoing fundraising success and relationship building.

  • Founder & Director; 2012-2022

    • Founded and led K10Yoga, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, building an accredited trauma-informed yoga school and community studio model across four pillars: in-person, online, outreach, and teacher training.

    • Developed and scaled a comprehensive yoga training program, certifying over 150 teachers across three states while maintaining educational rigor and mission alignment.

    • Managed all aspects of nonprofit operations, including program development, financial oversight, grant writing, partnership cultivation, and administrative functions.

    • Directed all branding and marketing strategy, ensuring visual and messaging consistency across digital platforms, social media, websites, print materials, and community outreach.

    • Planned and executed local and international yoga events and retreats, including multi-day festivals, community workshops, and destination experiences focused on equity and wellness.

    • Built a digital infrastructure from the ground up, managing websites, content strategy, and virtual programming that allowed for expansion and sustainability during times of transition.

    • Positioned K10Yoga as a thought leader in justice-centered wellness, integrating DEI-focused outreach and trauma-informed care into all programs, partnerships, and communications.

  • Assistant Marketing & Program Director; 2012-2016

    • Planned and marketed a wide range of wellness and engagement events, including themed 5K races, dance nights, and speaker series featuring local influencers, to increase member participation and community visibility.

    • Developed and promoted innovative fitness programs, including a full yoga school and specialized workshops, expanding wellness offerings to both members and the broader community.

    • Collaborated across departments to execute creative campaigns and events, blending programming, marketing, and mission-driven messaging to enhance the organization’s impact and reach.

  • Recreation Director; 2007-2012

    • Built and led the resort’s concierge and activities department, designing and executing on-site and off-site experiences that enriched guest stays and showcased local culture.

    • Coordinated partnerships with regional recreation providers, curating customized adventures and excursions that enhanced the resort’s offerings and guest satisfaction.

    • Developed and managed a diverse calendar of events and activities, balancing logistical planning with personalized service to deliver memorable vacation experiences.

  • Assistant to Director; 2006-2018

    • Managed key operations for a four-day offshore fishing tournament, including event setup, registration, weigh-ins, auctions, awards ceremonies, and digital leaderboard updates.

    • Oversaw social media communications and real-time updates, engaging attendees and supporters while promoting the mission to benefit the Coastal Carolina Boys & Girls Club.

    • Coordinated with sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, ensuring seamless execution and a professional, high-energy experience for participants and community stakeholders.

  • Assistant to Director, 2006

    • Coordinated logistics and volunteer management for a major international tall ships event spanning three coastal locations over four days, ensuring smooth operations and guest experiences.

    • Handled communications, merchandise distribution, and on-site setup, supporting multiple venues with cohesive branding and consistent execution.

    • Collaborated with historic sites, museums, and small businesses, promoting local heritage and driving community engagement through tourism and storytelling.

portfolio & gallery.

education.

UNC-Greensboro; 2001-2006

B.S. Recreation, Parks, Tourism, & Commercial Recreation
Minor: Business Administration

2011-2020: Yoga Teacher Trainings; 500hr Transcending Yoga, Off the Mat Into the World, Y12SR, Embody Love Movement, CTZNWELL, Skill in Action, Accessible Yoga

2020: Forsyth County Beekeeping Association Certification

other tidbits.

Yoga.

Mentors:
Seane Corn, Suzanne Sterling, Hala Khouri, Kerri Kelly, Michelle Johnson, Dr. Melody Moore, Nikki Myers, Amber Carnes

Speaking Engagements:

Certifications:

  • Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500hr Level

  • Yoga Alliance Continuing Ed Provider

  • Embody Love Movement Facilitator Trainer

  • Off the Mat, Into the World Trainer

  • Yoga 12 Step Recovery Teacher

  • Spirit Speak Graduate

  • Yoga for Trauma and Resilience

Other Involvement:

  • Ambassador for CTZNWELL

  • Attending CTZNSummit 2018 & 2020

  • Yoga for Recovery Summit

  • Addiction Research & Clinical Health Symposium

  • Yoga, Meditation, Addiction Recovery Conference

  • Embody Love Movement Summit

Travel.

  • South Pacific

  • China and Southeast Asia x3

  • India

  • Canada West & East

  • Central America, North to South

  • Galapagos Islands

  • Inca Trail, Peru

  • Morocco

  • Camino Trail, Spain

  • England-Scotland-Belgium-Netherlands

  • 35 States and 50+ Countries

Major Events.

  • Mutt Strut 2022-2024

  • Paw Crawl 2022-2025

  • Furr Ball 2022-2024

  • Winston-Salem Yoga Festival 2019

  • Barta Billfish Tournament 2006-2018

  • Dance for Tata’s

  • Zombie Race

  • Superhero Spectacular

  • Yoga Retreats: Fiji, Belize, Costa Rica

  • Pepsi Americas’ Sail 2006